Employment Opportunities

Downtown Events Coordinator

OVERVIEW:

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), a private nonprofit organization focused on economic development and community building in Historic Downtown Harrisonburg, is seeking a dynamic Downtown Events Coordinator. HDR is an award-winning Great American Main Street community and has been voted by the public as “The Best Use of Taxpayer’s Dollars” in the Daily News Record’s annual survey for 6 years in a row. Harrisonburg has received much national and state recognition – we were designated as Virginia’s first arts and cultural district; one of the 10 most exciting places in Virginia; the best place to be a millennial by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine; and Virginia’s first culinary district to name a few.

The Downtown Events Coordinator has an opportunity to make a difference in Harrisonburg by helping to improve quality of life and community pride, create meaningful memories, and help bring greater exposure to Harrisonburg through enhanced tourism. The position has two main responsibilities – manage event planning and execution for Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR) and serve as the City liaison for special event and street closing applications for events within City limits. For HDR, this position handles planning, executing, and supporting new and existing community events and festivals in Downtown Harrisonburg. This includes brainstorming new ideas, handling all logistics for HDR’s signature events, managing each event, coordinating committee members and volunteers, and supporting event promotions and marketing.

As the City liaison for all special event and street closing requests, the incumbent will work directly with multiple city departments to coordinate the logistics. This position will also serve as the point of contact for Turner Pavilion reservations.

POSITION:

The Downtown Events Coordinator is considered a regular, full-time position, working at the will of the HDR Executive Director. He or she will be trained and supervised by the Chief Marketing Officer.

HDR’s work culture offers employees flexible work hours, paid holidays and vacation, option for teleworking one day a week, professional development opportunities, and plenty of room for creativity in how staff approach their work.

Considered an exempt employee position not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime pay provisions and not compensated for work performed beyond regularly scheduled working hours.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

PLANNING AND EXECUTION

Collaborate with City departments to coordinate permits, licenses, and street closings for events

Plan and implement creative programming at events

Negotiate contracts for services, rentals, venues, entertainers, etc.

Work with Chief Marketing Officer to coordinate marketing plan for events

Work with Chief Marketing Officer to communicate information about events to downtown businesses, and enlist support and involvement

Oversee day-of implementation and provide on-site support to staff, City personnel, and volunteers

Attendance at all HDR-produced events (Valley Fourth, Block Party in the ‘Burg, Halloween on the Square, Veterans Day Celebration) as well as certain partnership events (Rocktown Beer & Music Festivals, Fall Rocktown Festival, First Night Harrisonburg) and other events as deemed appropriate by the Chief Marketing Officer. Events range in scale from 1,000 to 15,000+ attendees.

COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT

Identify and recruit committee members and volunteers for events

Work closely with committee members to define event goals, develop and monitor timelines, and implement plans that align with the missions of HDR and the City of Harrisonburg